Nigeria leaders call for stronger fiscal federalism and economic reform

Leaders and officials in Nigeria are calling for a shift toward stronger fiscal federalism and economic diversification to enhance national resilience. At the 2026 National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) Retreat in Owerri, Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma emphasized the need to interrogate the country’s current fiscal architecture.

Governor Uzodimma noted that continued reliance on oil revenue is unsustainable and urged for states to be empowered to generate and manage their own resources more efficiently. He highlighted Imo State’s efforts to digitize revenue collection and invest in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and the digital economy.

Separately, Godknows Igali, National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), argued that Nigeria’s over-centralized system has weakened productivity, security, and accountability. Igali advocated for constitutional amendments to devolve powers, restore resource control, and guarantee local government autonomy, suggesting that a federation of strong, productive units would ultimately strengthen the nation rather than divide it.